New Bahama Breeze Revs Up the Fun Factor

In the name of fun — and rum — the new Bahama Breeze restaurant in Kissimmee, FL, blends fresh ideas with elements from the brand’s original restaurants. “We want Bahama Breeze guests to escape to an authentic island atmosphere and feel like they’re having a little staycation,” said Darden Vice President of Design Todd Taylor. “We also want to bring an old feel back to the space.”

To accomplish this, the restaurant at The Loop at Hunter’s Creek features a post and beam structure with vaulted ceilings and exposed rafters for an open, barn-like feel. Rum is showcased, with rum barrels used as decorative elements and an eye-catching model of an old-fashioned still in the center of the bar. Other features include:

Vibrant, Caribbean colors

Indoor-outdoor bar

Sugar-mill design elements

Outdoor fire pit

Use of natural materials such as stone, brick and reclaimed wood

The indoor-outdoor bar helps “the restaurant’s energy flow from the inside to the outside and connects both spaces,” Todd said. “The sugar-mill design has been repurposed as a place where rum is distilled to showcase Bahama Breeze’s key spirit.”